Electric current dispensing device



Feb. 2, 1937. H. w. ACKLEY 2,069,200

ELECTRIC CURRENT DISPENSING DEVICE Filed July 11, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet 1ATToE/vs r15 Feb. 2, 1937.

H. w. ACKLEY 2,069,200 ELECTRIC CURRENT DISPENSING DEVICE Filed July 11,1934 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 HARE) 1M xlc/rL E Y ATTORNE Ya Feb, 2, 1937.

H. w. ACKLEY 25069200 ELECTRIC CURRENT DISPENSING DEVICE Filed July 11,1954 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 fizz/27a 07? Mae Y WAC/(L 5 Y 9 0w, WWW/M PatentedFeb. 2, 1937 ST'E'ES PAT 'i FECE Harry W. Ackley, Minneapolis, Minn.,assignor to Frances A. Genter, Minneapolis, Minn.

Application July 11, 1934, Serial No. 734,642

9 Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in electriccurrent dispensing devices, and more particularly to devices of thegeneral character disclosed in my pending appli- 5 cation, Serial No.467,874, filed July 14, 1930, re-

newal filed July 1''! 1933.

An object of the present invention is to provide an electric currentdispensing device comprising a switch and a mechanical timing or clockmech- 10 anism for automatically opening said switch after apredetermined time interval and having means for prematurelyinterrupting the operation of said timing mechanism, in the event thesupply of current to the device is temporarily out ofi be- 15 fore thetiming mechanism has completed its timed operating period.

A further object of the invention is to provide an electric currentdispensing device comprising a switch, and a clock mechanism forautomati- 20 cally opening said switch after a timed interval,

and having electrically operated means associated with said clockmechanism and adapted to interrupt the operation of the latter, in theevent the supply of current to said device is interrupted 25 before theclock mechanism has completed its timed operating period, and saidelectrically operated means being adapted to automatically release saidclock mechanism to thereby permit it to complete its timed operatingperiod, when 30 current flow to the device is again resumed.

Other objects of the invention reside in the specific construction ofthe current dispensing device, whereby it is rendered practicallyfoolproof in operation; in the means provided where- 35 by when a coinis inserted into the device, the operating lever thereof must be rotatedthrough its full cycle of operation, before the electric switch of saiddevice is closed to start the flow of current to the appliance or motorto be served;

40 in the provision of means for preventing an operator from reversingthe movement of the operating lever until it has completed its fullforward movement; in the means provided whereby the control switch ofthe device cannot completely close until the operating lever has beenoperated to wind the spring of the clock mechanism and has been returnedto its normal inoperative position; in the provision of a solenoid coilelectrically connected in the switch circuit of said device and havingan armature arranged to engage a toothed member, preferably mounted uponthe balance shaft of the clock mechanism, whereby when the supply ofcurrent to the device is temporarily out off, and said solenoid coilbecomes deenergized its armature will engage said toothed member andthereby prematurely interrupt the operation of said clock mechanism, andwhen current flow to the device is again resumed, said armature will beretracted and thereby cause the release of the clock mechanism, 5whereupon said mechanism may complete its timed operating period; and,in the general construction and arrangement of the various parts of thedevice, whereby it may be manufactured at small cost and whereby itsoperation is simplified.

Other objects of the invention will appear from the followingdescription and accompanying drawings and will be pointed out in theannexed claims.

In the accompanying drawings there has been disclosed a structuredesigned to carry out the various objects of the invention, but it is tobe understood that the invention is not confined to the exact featuresshown as various changes may be made within the scope of the claimswhich follow.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view on the line ll of Figure 6,showing the coin-actuated mechanism in its normal inoperative position;

Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1, but showing the coin-actuatedmechanism actuated;

Figure 3 is a detail sectional view on the line 3-3 of Figure 6, showingthe automatic switch in its normal open position;

Figure 4 is a similar view showing the switch in its closed position;

Figure 5 is a vertical sectional view on the line 5-5 of Figure 6,showing the clock mechanism, and the means associated therewith forprematurely interrupting the operation of the same, when the supply ofcurrent to the device is cut off;

Figure 6 is a longitudinal sectional view on the line 66 of Figure 9,showing the parts in their normal positions;

Figure '7 is a detail sectional view on the line 1-1 of Figure 2,showing the means for preventing the insertion of additional coins intothe device, when in operation;

Figure 8 is a view showing the operating parts removed from the casing;

Figure 9 is a front view of the device, showing the operating handle orcrank in its normal position; and

Figure 10 is a wiring diagram showing the electrically operated clockinterrupting means connected in the motor circuit.

The novel current dispensing device herein disclosed, is showncomprising a casing 2, preferably cylindrical in cross-section, andcomprising a rear wall 3 and a front wall 4. The front wall 4 isremovably secured to the cylindrical walls of the casing by suitableinterlocking means, shown at 5 in Figure 6. A suitable lock, generallyindicated by the numeral 6 is mounted in the front wall or door 4 of thecasing and has a locking member 1 adapted to be received between spacedlugs 8 provided upon the cylindrical wall of the casing, as best shownin Figures 6 and 9. When the locking member 1 is positioned as shown inFigure 6, the door or cover 4 cannot be relatively rotated in its seat 9in the casing, to thereby unlock and remove it therefrom.

A housing H is secured to the upper portion of the casing 2, and hascoin chutes I2 and I3 provided therein, which are open at the ends ofthe housing, as best shown in Figures 2 and 9. These chutes communicatewith guide slots l4 and I5, provided in a fixed member I6 provided uponthe upper portion of a wall or plate ll of the interior mechanism of theapparatus. The coin slots l2 and I3 are of different sizes, whereby theyreceive coins of different denominations as, for example, the rear slotI2 may be adapted to receive a dime, and the front slot l3 a quarter.

The coin actuated mechanism comprises the plate H, which is secured tothe casing 2 by a plurality of screws l8 received in threaded engagementwith lugs l9, shown integrally formed with the wall of the casing, asbest shown in Figure 5.

The plate [1 is provided with a bearing 2| having the hub 22 of asegment 23 rotatably mounted therein, and retained in said bearing by asplit collar 24 removably secured to one end of the hub by a suitablescrew 25, as shown in Figures 6 and 8, and one end of which engages theplate A coin holder 26 is secured to the segment 23, shown constructedof sheet metal, a portion of which is apertured to received the hub 22,whereby said apertured portion is positioned between the end of thebearing 2| and the segment 23. Thus, the segment 23 is held againstlongitudinal movement within the bearing 2|, as willbe readilyunderstood by reference to Figure 6. In the drawings, I have shown thecoin holder 26 adapted to receive a small coin such, for example, as adime.

A shaft 28 is mounted for relative rotation within the hub 22 and hasone end received in a bearing 29 provided in a plate 3|, suitablysecured to the plate l1, in spaced relation, by spacing members 32 andscrews 33 passing through suitable apertures provided in the wall 3| andreceived in threaded engagement with the adjacent ends of the spacingmember 32. The shaft 28 is shown provided with an enlarged head 34having a square socket 35 therein adapted to receive the squared endportion 36 of the operating shaft 31 of a clock mechanism, generallyindicated by the numeral 38, and which will subsequently be: described.

A segment 39, similar to the segment 23 is secured to the shaft 28 andhas a coin holder 4| provided thereon adapted to receive a relativelylarger coin such, for example, as a quarter. The segment 39 is shownreceived in threaded engagement with the shaft 28, and a cylindricalmember or sleeve 42 is received in threaded engagement with the terminalof the shaft 28 and serves as a lock nut to secure the segment 39 andthe coin holder 4| thereto in fixed relation. The sleeve 42 is shownprovided with a peripheral groove 43 adapted to receive a key member 44arranged in a slot 45 provided in the hub 46 of an operating member 41.The hub 46 is bored to receive the sleeve 42 and is mounted for rotationthereon, but is prevented from longitudinal or axial movement upon saidsleeve by the action of the key 44.

A driving lug 48 is provided upon the periphery of the hub 46 and isadapted to be received in a slot 49 in the inner end of a hollow hub 5|,which is rotatably mounted in a bearing 52 provided in the front wall 4of the casing. The hub 5i has an operating crank 53 positionedexteriorly of the casing, and normally retained in the position shown inFigure 9, by the action of a clock spring 54 having one end secured to aflanged'member 55, mounted upon the inner end of the hub 51, and securedthereto in fixed relation by means of a screw 56, which screw alsosecures one end of the clock spring 54 to the member 55. The oppositeend of the spring 54 is fixedly secured to the front wall 4 of thecasing by a suitable pin or screw, as indicated at 51 in Figure 9. Theflanged member 55 has a projection 58 adapted to engage a stop 59provided upon a small bracket 65 suitably secured to the inner surfaceof the removable front wall 4, and which bracket also provides a supportfor the inner end of the lock 6, as will be readily noted by referenceto Figure 6.

A small window 62 is provided in the front end of the hub 5i of theoperating crank 53, through which a small dial 63 may be seen. This dialis secured to a shouldered stud 64 having a reduced threaded end portion65 received in threaded engagement with the adjacent end of the shaft28. The intermediate portion 66 of the stud 64 is received in a suitableaperture provided in the sleeve 42. The dial or disk 63 carries an arrow61, which indicates the relative position of the operating shaft 28 ofthe clock mechanism, so that the operator may note, at all times, thewound condition of the clock mechanism. In

other words, when the clock mechanism is run down and is in its normalposition, the arrow 61 may be positioned as shown in Figure 9.

The segments 23 and 39 are provided with suitable connectors 68 and 69,respectively, pivotally supported upon the segments by suitable pivots1!. Each connector has a pin 12 secured to its swinging end, whichtraverse elongated openings or slots 13 provided in the segments 23 and39, as clearly illustrated in Figure 2. The ends of the slots 13 areadapted to be engaged by the pins 12 to thereby limit the oscillatorymovements of the connectors 68 and 69. Suitable springs 14 are connectedto the segments 23 and 39 and have their free ends engaging the pins 12,whereby said springs will retain the connectors in their inoperative andoperative positions, as will be understood by reference to era-tingmember 41, as will subsequently be described.

The operating member 41 is substantially semicircular in form, and isshown secured to the hub 46 by integral arms 16. An inwardly extendinglug 11 is provided on the operating member 41 and is adapted to engagethe tooth 15 of the connector 68, when the latter is moved outwardly tothe dotted line position shown in' Figure 2, following the insertion ofa coin into the coin slot l2. When the lug 11 thus engages the tooth 15of the connector 68, the segment 23 will rotate with the operatingmember 41 to thereby partially wind the clock mechanism 38. In likemanner, the tooth I of the segment 69 is adapted to be engaged by anabutment 18 provided upon the operating member 41, adjacent its oppositeend, when a suitable coin is inserted into the slot I3, as clearlyillustrated in Figures 1, 2, and 6, whereby the clock mechanism iscompletely wound, when the operating crank 53 is operated.

The connectors 68 and 69 are normally retained in their inward orinoperative positions, whereby their teeth I5 are out of the pathstraveled by the abutments I1 and 18. When a coin is inserted into thedevice, however, as shown in Figure 1, it will drop into one of the coinholders 26 or 4|, depending upon the size of coin inserted into thedevice. In Figure 1, a larger coin such as a quarter has been insertedinto the device and is shown supported in the coin holder 4|, and hasits periphery engaging a pin 79 secured to the connector 69 of thesegment 35. The pin I9 is normally positioned in the path of the coin,whereby the coin cannot drop from the position shown in Figure 1, intothe lower portion of the casing until the connector 59 has been moved orswung outwardly to its operative position.

The operating member 41 carries a pair of inwardly facing drive pins 8|and 82 positioned to travel in the gaps provided between the upper edgeportions of the coin holders 26 and ll, and the adjacent edges of theconnectors 68 and 69, as will be clearly understood by reference toFigure 1. When a quarter has been inserted into the device, as shown inFigure 1, the operator grasps the crank 53 and rotates it and theoperating member 41, whereby the pin 82 will engage the edge of the coinand thereby move it into engagement with the pin 19, whereby theconnector 69 is moved into operative position to thereby permit the cointo drop into the lower portion of the casing. When the connector 69 isthus moved outwardly, the pin I9 thereof releases the coin and permitsit to drop by gravity into the lower portion of the casing 2. Continuedrotation of the crank arm 53 will wind the clock mechanism until theoperating member 41 engages a stop 80 at the limit of its forward orwinding stroke, as will readily be understood by reference to Figure 2,wherein the segment is shown about to engage the stop 83.

An important feature of the invention resides in the means provided forpreventing reverse movement of the operating member 41, once it has beenstarted in a forward movement, and consists of a small dog 84 pivotallysupported on the member I6 and is adapted to engage a plurality ofratchet teeth 85 provided in the periphery of the member 41. When theoperating member has reached the limit of its forward movement, assubstantially shown in Figure 2, the dog 84 is moved into engagementwith one end of a slot closing member 86, adapted to be moved intoalinement with the coin slots I4 and 85 in the member I6, to therebyprevent the insertion of additional coins into the device, while inoperation. When the dog 84 is thus supported upon the slot closingmember 86, the operating member 41 may be returned to its normalposition, as shown in Figure 1. Upon initial starting of the returnmovement of the operating member 51, the inwardly facing inclined face37 on the member 41 will engage the tooth 15 of the connector 69 andmove it inwardly to its inoperative position, as will readily beunderstood by reference to Figure 2. The connector 69, as hereinbeforestated, is retained in its operative and inoperative positions by theaction of its spring 74.

The slot closing member 86 is mounted for traveling movement in a slot88 provided in the plate I! adjacent to the upper portion I6 of saidplate, and has a body portion 89 slidably mounted upon a flanged stud 9|provided upon the opposite side of the plate H, as will readily beunderstood by reference to Figure 5. The stud BI is received in anelongated opening 92 provided in the body portion 89 of the slot closingmember.

The means for controlling the supply of current to the appliance to beserved with electric current such, for example, as an electric motor 93,shown in Figure 10, consists of an electric switch, generally indicatedby the numeral 94. This switch comprises a fixed contact 95 secured tothe plate 3I in insulated relation by suitable screws 96. A movablecontact 91 is secured to an arm 98, pivotally mounted upon a stud 99,secured to the plate 3! in insulated relation. A suitable spring IOInormally retains the switch arm 98 in the position shown in Figure 3.

The switch arm 98 is pivotally connected at N32 to the body 89 of theslot closing member 85, so that when the switch contact 91 moves intoelectrical connection with the fixed contact 95, the body 89 of the slotclosing member is operated to move the latter into operative positionwith respect to the coin slots I2 and I 3 to thereby prevent theinsertion of additional coins into the device, when the latter is inoperation, as shown in Figures 2 and 7.

Another feature of the invention resides in the means provided forpreventing the movable contact 91 of the switch 94 from electricallyengaging the fixed contact 95, before the operating crank 53 has beenreturned to its normal inoperative position, or gone through onecomplete cycle of operation. To thus prevent complete closing of theswitch until the operating member has been returned to its normalposition, a small gravity operated latch I03 is pivotally mounted uponthe plate I1 and has an offset end portion I04 traversing an elongatedopening I55 in the plate IT, as shown in Figure 5. The off-set endportion I 04 of the arm I03 normally projects into the path of ashoulder I06 provided upon the body of the slot closing member 86. Theoff-set end portion I 54 and the shoulder I06 are so related that theshoulder I06 will abuttingly engage the end portion I54 when the movableswitch contact 91 reaches substantially the position shown in dottedlines in Figure 5, whereby it is temporarily prevented from electricallyengaging the fixed contact 95. The contact 9'! is retained in thisposition until the operating member 47 and crank arm 53 are returned totheir normal positions, as shown in Figures 1 and 9. Just before theoperating member 41 reaches its normal position, a cam I01 provided uponthe periphery thereof, engages the depending portion I 58 of the arm I03and thereby moves said arm upwardly, whereby the oifset portion IE5thereof will move out of engagement with the shoulder I55, whereby themovable contact 91 is released and moves into electrical engagement withits complemental contact 95. Thus, it will be seen that the switch 94cannot be completely closed until the operating crank 53 has completedits cycle of operation.

The means provided for operating the movable contact 91 of the switch 94is best shown in Figures 3 and 4 and comprises a pair of cams I99 and III secured in fixed relation to the segments 23 and 39, respectively. Thecam I99 may, for convenience, be integrally-formed with the split collar24 secured to the hub 22 of the segment 23. The cam III of the segement39 is shown integrally formed with a split collar II2, fixedly securedto the shaft 28 for direct rotation therewith. The cams I99 and III arealined with a roller II3, mounted between spaced ears provided at oneend of a plate element I99, whose opposite end is secured to the switcharm 98 adjacent to the contact 91, as indicated at I2I in Figures 3 and4. Thus, when the cams I99 and III are operated, they will engage theroller I I3 and thereby move the switch arm 98 into the dotted lineposition, shown in Figure 5.

Means is provided for locking the switch arm 99 in its switch closingposition, and is shown consisting of an arm II 4 pivotally supportedupon one end of a pin II5 secured to the plate SI, and whereby the upperportion of the arm is substantially alined with the switch arm 98. Asuitable tortion spring H6 constantly urges the arm H4 in a directiontowards the switch arm, as will readily be understood by reference toFigure 4.

A small plate H1 is shown secured to the arm I I4 and has its upper edgeI I8 adapted to engage the adjacent end II9 of the plate element I99, asbest shown in Figure 4. The movable end of the plate element I90slightly overhangs the adjacent end of the switch arm 98 so that whenthe switch arm is moved in a direction to close the switch, the end I I9of said plateelement will engage the plate I I1 on the arm I I4, andthus move the arm slightly to the right, when viewed as shown in Figures3 and 4. When the end II9 of the plate element I99 passes the upper endI I8 of the plate 1, the spring IIB will operate the arm II4 to move theplate element II1 into position to lock the switch arm in its operativeposition.

To move the plate II1 out of engagement with the plate element I90, apin I22 is secured to the cam I I I and is arranged to engage the lowerend of the arm II4, when the cam II I is returned to its normalposition, as shown in Figure 3. When the cam reaches the position shownin the above figure, the arm H4 is operated in a direction to move theupper edge III! of the plate II1 out of engagement with the plateelement I99, whereupon the spring IOI returns the switch arm to itsnormal switch-opening position, shown in Figure 3.

A lug I23 is secured to the wall I1 and projects into the path of thesegments 23 and 39 to provide a limit stop therefor, when returned totheir normal positions, as shown in Figure 1. The segment 23 is shownprovided with an off-set lug I24 be simultaneously operated. The segment39, when the latter is in its normal position, as shown in Figure 1, andwhereby when the segment 23 is operatively connected to the operatingmember 41 and is actuated thereby, the segment 39 will be simultaneouslyoperated. The segment 39, however, may be operated independently of thesegment 23.

The clock mechanism 38 is illustrated in Figures 5, 6, and 8, andcomprises the usual clock spring I25 having one end suitably secured tothe operating shaft 31, in the usual manner, and its opposite endsecured to an anchor pin I26 provided in the frame I21 of the clockmechanism. An escapement device, generally indicated by the numeral I28,is operatively connected to the operating shaft 31 by a train of gears,generally indicated by the numeral I29, as is customary in devices ofthis kind. The escapement I28 operates a balance shaft I3I, shownprovided with a toothed member I32. The operating shaft 31 of the clockmechanism is operatively connected to the main drive gear I33 of theclock mechanism 7 by a suitable friction device, generally indicated bythe numeral I34, and whereby the operating shaft 31 may be rotatedindependently of the gear I33 to thereby permit the segment 39 to berotated independently of the clock mechanism, when desired.

Another important feature of this invention resides in the meansprovided for prematurely interrupting the operation of the clockmechanism, in the event that the supply of current to the currentdispensing device is cut off before the clock mechanism has completeditstimed operating period. By providing means for thus interrupting theoperation of the clock mechanism, in the event that the current supplyto the device is temporarily out off, the operator or attendant may, atany time, interrupt the operation of the entire apparatus by opening themanually controlled switch E35 provided in the supply circuit I36, whichsupplies current to the dispensing device, without losing any of thetime which may have been paid for by the insertion of a coin into thedispensing device.

To thus prematurely interrupt the operation of the clock mechanism, asmall solenoid coil I31 is suitably mounted in the frame of the clockmechanism and has wires I38 and I39 electrically connecting it to thecircuit I4I, which supplies current to the motor 93, as diagrammaticallyillustrated in Figure 10. The wire I38 of the coil I 31 is shownconnected to the automatic switch 94 between said switch and the motor93, so that when the switch 94 is open, the supply of current to thesolenoid 31 is cut off. The solenoid I31 has an armature I42 slidablymounted therein, the lower end of which is shown to be conical in shape,and is arranged to engage the toothed member I32 provided on the balanceshaft I3I. The solenoid coil is preferably disposed as shown in Figure5, whereby the armature I42 gravitates into engagement with the toothedmember I32, when the coil I31 is deenergized. When said coil isenergized, the armature is retracted, as indicated by the full lines inFigure 10, whereby the balance shaft may freely operate in its usualmanner.

By connecting the solenoid coil I31 in the circuit, as diagrammaticallyillustrated in Figure 10, it will be noted that whenever current issupplied to the motor 93 or other electrical appliance which is to beserved, the solenoid coil I 31 is energized and thus holds the armatureI42 out of engagement with the toothed member I32 of the balance shaft.When the supply of current to the motor 93 is cut off, either by openingthe automatic switch 94 or the manually operable switch I35, or for someother reason, the solenoid coil I31 is immediately deenergized, wherebythe armature I42 drops into locking engagement with the toothed memberI32 to thereby interrupt the operation of the clock mechanism.

Operation The novel current dispensing device herein disclosed has founda wide field of use in apartment buildings and the like for controllingthe dispensing of electric current to washing machines and mangles,although it may be used for dispensing electric current to various otherelectric appliances. When used on a washing machine, the mechanism ofthe dispensing device is usually arranged, whereby it may be selectivelyoperated at two different time intervals. For example, when a dime isinserted into the coin chute I2, the device may operate for fifteenminutes, and if a quarter is inserted into the slot I3, the device 'mayallow the washing machine or other appliance to be operated for onehour. These operating periods, however, may be varied in length to suitvarious appliances of work.

Assuming now that it is desired to operate the motor 93 for a period oftime longer than 15 minutes, a quarter is then inserted into the slot I3and drops by gravity into the coin holder 4|, as clearly illustrated inFigures 1 and 6. By reference to Figure 1, it will be noted that thediameter of the coin is such that the coin cannot pass through the spaceprovided between the bot-= tom of the coin holder 4| and the peripheryof the pin 19 in the connecting member 69, when the latter is in itsnormal position, as shown in Figure 1. The coin is therefore retained inthe position shown in this figure.

The operator then grasps the operating crank 53 and swings it to theright, as indicated by the arrow in Figure 9, whereby the pin 82 carriedby the operating member 41 engages the periphery of the coin and thusforces it against the pin 19, which results in the connecting member 68being swung upwardly to a position wherein the tooth 15 thereof will beengaged by the abutment 18 of the member 41, whereby the segment 39 isrotated simultaneously with the member 41, as will readily be understoodby reference to Figures 1 and 2. When the connecting member 69 has beenmoved upwardly or outwardly from the position shown in Figure 1 to thatshown in Figure 2, the coin is permitted to drop into the lower portionof the casing, from whence it may readily be removed when the front wallor cover plate 4 of the casing is detached.

When the operating crank 53 is initially started, it is understood thatthe automatic switch 94 is normally open, as shown in Figure 3, andremains so until the cam I09 engages the roller H3 of the switch arm 98,whereupon said switch arm is operated to partially close the switch, or,in other words, the switch 94 is conditioned for closing, as indicatedby the dotted lines in Figure 5. The switch is prevented from completelyclosing as a result of the shoulder I06 of the body 89 of the slotclosing member 86 engaging the offset end portion I 04 of the latch I03,as indicated by the dotted lines in Figure 5. During rotation of thecrank 53, the dog 84 engages the teeth 85 in the periphery of theoperating member 41, and thus prevents said member and the crank frombeing returned to their normal positions, until the crank has completedits full forward movement, as shown in dotted lines in Figures 2 and 9.

Just before the operating member 41 reaches the limit of its forwardmovement, the cam I09 engages the roller II3 of the switch arm 98 andmoves the contact 91 into the dotted line position shown in Figure 5.Such action of the switch arm 98 moves the slot closing member 86 intoits operative position, shown in Figures 2 and 7, whereby additionalcoins cannot be inserted into the coin-receiving mechanism, as will beclearly understood by reference to Figure 7.

It will be noted, by reference to Figures 1 and 2, that the operatingmember is provided at its rearmost end with a cam I43, which engages thedog 84 and moves it upwardly to the position shown in Figure 2, whichoperation occurs at about the time that the slot-closing member 86 isactuated, whereby the member 86 moves under the dog and thus retains thelatter in inoperative position, to thereby permit the operating member41 to be returned to its normal position by the action of the spring 54.The forward movements of the crank 53 and operating member 41 arelimited by the stop lug 80, which is positioned in the path of theinwardly projecting lug 90 which supports the pin 8| of the member 41,as best shown in dotted lines in Figure 2. The stop lugs and 83 arepositioned to be engaged by the segments 23 and 39, respectively, andthus limit their forward movements. It is to be understood, however,that before the segments engage their respective stops, the connectingmembers 68 and 69 thereof have been moved to their inoperativepositions.

Forward movement of the operating member 41, by rotation of the crank53, as above de scribed, winds the clock mechanism and conditions theautomatic switch 94 for closing, as hereinbefore described. Upon thereturn movement of the operating member 41, the inclined face 81 of theleading end of the operating member will engage the tooth of theconnecting member 69 and thus return said member to its normalinoperative position, shown in Figure 1. The complete closing of theautomatic switch 94 is effected when the cam I01 on the periphery of theoperating member 41 engages the portion I08 of the latch I03, whereuponthe ofiset end portion I04 of said latch is moved out of engagement withthe shoulder I 06 of the plate 89, thereby permitting the movablecontact 91 to move into electrical engagement with the fixed contact 95.

The cams I09 and III are so designed that they will lift the plate I00of the switch arm 98 from the position shown in Figure 3 to that shownin Figure 4, whereby the upper edge II8 of the plate II1 on the arm II4may move into locking engagement therewith, as best shown in Figure 4.The pivotal connection I02 between the switch arm 98 and the plateportion 89 of the slot closing member 86 is so arranged that when theshoulder I06 of the plate 89 engages the end portion I04 of the latchI03, the movable contact 91 cannot move into electrical connection withthe contact 95, and the switch arm 98 is then slightly distorted or bentand is retained in such position by the plate II1 engaging the end II9of the switch arm plate I00. As soon, however, as the cam I01 engagesthe latch I03, the switch arm 98 is released and the contact 91 thenelectrically engages the fixed contact 95, whereupon current is suppliedto the motor 93, assuming, of course, that the main switch I35 isclosed.

The segment 39, being operatively connected to the main operating shaft31 of the clock mechanism, will slowly return to its normal position bythe action of the clock mechanism, until it engages the stop lug I23.Such operation of the segment 39 will cause the pin I22 of the cam Hi toeventually engage the arm I I4 and move it outwardly from the positionshown in Figure 4, to that shown in Figure 3, whereby the switch arm 98is released and the automatic switch 94 opened, as clearly illustratedin Figure 3.

The operation of the segment 23, carrying the coin holder 26 for thesmaller coin, 'is substantially the same as that described withreference to the segment 39, except that when the segment 23 is advancedby rotation of the operating mem- ;ber M, the segment 39 will be rotatedsimultaneously therewith because offlthe lug I24 on the segment 23engaging the adjacent edge of the segment 39. Both segments are returnedby the clock mechanism 38.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that, should the operator find itnecessary or desirable to interrupt the motor 93, after the currentdispensing device has been set into motion by the insertion of a cointherein, and before said device has completed its timed operatingperiod, then he may readily do so by simply opening the main switch I35.Suchopening of the main switch causes-deenergization of the solenoidcoil l3? and allows the armature 562 thereof; to drop into :lockingengagement with the toothed member or pinion E32 ofthe balance shaft,whereby the operation of the clock mechanism is prematurely interrupted.When the main switch I35 is subsequently closed, the coil 1 5 1 'isenergized and thereby withdraws the armature from engagement with thetoothed member i3 2, whereby the clock mechanism may complete its timedoperating period. This feature of the device has been found verydesirable as it permitsthe attendant or operator to temporarilyinterrupt the operation of the motor 93, or otherappliance being served,at any time, without losing any of the operating time paid for by theinsertion of a coin into the device, it being understood that as soon asthe supply of current to the motor is again resumed, the clock mechanismis automatically released tothereby complete its unfinished timedoperating period.

The construction of the device is such that it is substantiallyfool-proof, in that it is so constructed that an operator cannotmanipulate the crank 53 in such a manner as to close the switch 94 andretain it in such position by manually looking or securing the crank ina certain position. In the device herein shown, the-switch 94 is notcompletely closed untilthe crank 53 has been movedthrough its completecycle of operation, thereby assuring that the coin is discharged fromthe coin actuated mechanism into the lower portion of the casing eachtime the crank is operated, whereby an operator cannot manipulate thedevice in such a manner as to cause it to operate for a period of timelonger than that previously determinedfor a given size coin. I

I claim as my invention: V

1. In an electric current dispensing device, a clock mechanism, anormally open electric switch, an operating member, coin actuated meansfor operatively connecting said member to said clock member until it hasbeen rotated to the limit of member, coin actuated means for operativelycon necting said member to said clock mechanism and said switch, wherebywhen said crank is operated, the clock mecham'sm is wound and saidswitch conditioned for closing, means for preventing return movement ofsaid. operating memclock mechanism and said switch, whereby when thecrank is operated, said clock mechanism is wound and the switchconditioned for closing, means operating in timed relation to saidswitch for preventing the insertion of additional coins into the device,while the latter is in operation, and means for effecting completeclosing of the switch, when the crank is returned to its normalposition.

4. In an electric current dispensing device, a clock mechanism, anelectric switch, an operating member providedwith a suitable crank, coinactuated means for operatively connecting said operating member to saidclock mechanism and said switch, whereby when the crank is operated,said member will be rotated to wind the clock mechanism and conditionthe switch for closing, and means whereby'the switch cannot becompletely closed until the operating member has been moved to the limitof its forward movement and returned to its normal position.

clock mechanism, an electric switch, an operating member provided with asuitable crank, coin actuated means for operatively connecting saidoperating member to said clock mechanism and said switch, whereby whenthe crank is operated, said member will berotated to wind the clockmechanism and condition the switch for closing, means for preventing theinsertion of additional coins into the device while the device is inoperation, said last mentioned means being operatively associated withthe switch and including an abutment shoulder adapted to engage amovable stop to thereby prevent the switch from completely closing, whenthe operating member is rotated to set the device, and means on saidoperating member adapted to actuate said movable stop andcause therelease of the switch, just before the operating member reaches thelimit of its return movement.

6. In an electric current dispensing device, a clock mechanism, anelectric switch, an operating member provided with a crank, coinactuated means having coin-receiving slots adapted to re-, ceive coinsof different sizes and denominations, said coins causing said operatingmember to become operatively connected to the clock mechanism and saidswitch, whereby when the crank is operated, the clock mechanism is woundand the switch partially closed, a slot closing member for preventingthe insertion of additional coins into the device when in operation,said slot closing member being operatively connected to said switch, amovable stop engageable with means on said slot closing member forrestricting its movement in one direction and thereby preventingcomplete closing of the switch, while the. crank 75 r is in operation,and means on said operating member for actuating said movable stop andthereby releasing said slot closing member, when the operating member isreturned to its normal position, whereby the switch is permitted tocompletely close.

'7. In an electric current dispensing device, a clock mechanism, anelectric switch, an operating member provided with a crank, coinactuated means having coin receiving slots adapted to receive coins ofdifferent sizes and denominations, the insertion of a coin in one ofsaid slots causing said operating member to become operatively connectedto the clock mechanism and said switch, whereby when the crank isoperated, the clock mechanism is Wound and the switch partially closed,a slot closing member for preventing the insertion of additional coinsinto the device when in operation, said slot closing member having abody portion pivotally connected to said switch and provided with anabutment shoulder, a latch member engageable with said shoulder tothereby prevent complete closing of the switch, while the crank is inoperation, and means on said operating member for actuating said latchmember, when the operating member is returned to its normal position,whereby the slot closing member is released to thereby permit the switchto close.

8. In an electric current dispensing device, a clock mechanism, anelectric switch, an operating member provided with a crank, coinactuated means having coin-receiving slots adapted to receive coins ofdifferent sizes and denominations, the insertion of a coin in one ofsaid slots causing said operating member to become operatively connectedto the clock mechanism and said switch,

whereby when the crank is operated, the clock mechanism is wound and theswitch partially closed, a slot closing member for preventing theinsertion of additional coins into the device when in operation, saidslot closing member having a portion pivotally connected to said switchand provided with a shoulder, a latch engageable with said shoulder tothereby prevent complete closing of the switch while the crank is inoperation, and a cam on the periphery of said operating member adaptedto engage said latch when the operating member is returned to its normalposition, whereby the slot closing member is released to thereby permitthe switch to completely close.

9. In an electric current dispensing device, a clock mechanism, anormally open electric switch, an operating member, a crank for rotatingsaid member, coin-actuated means for operatively connecting said memberto said clock mechanism and said switch, whereby when the crank isoperated, the clock mechanism is wound and the switch conditioned forclosing, means for preventing return movement of the operating memberuntil it has completed its forward movement,

said coin actuated means being adapted to receive coins of difierentsizes and the sizes of said coins controlling the degree of winding ofsaid clock mechanism and the operating period of the device, means foreffecting complete closing of the switch when the operating member isreturned to its normal position, and means for prematurely interruptingthe operation of the device in the event of current failure, saidinterrupting means being rendered inoperative upon resumption of currentflow.

HARRY W. ACKLEY.

